The kinked flower/berry stalks, greenish-white flowers, and clasping leaf bases seen in these photos are all key identifying characteristics of clasping twistedstalk. Berry colour is not a reliable ID feature as they vary between yellow, red (as seen at top right), and sometimes dark purple (as seen at left). Photos by Gillian Harvey (bottom) and Kelly Fretwell.

Habitat & RangeClasping twistedstalk grows along streams, in moist, rich forests, in thickets and clearings, and along avalanche tracks from low to subalpine elevations. It is a common species in BC. It is found throughout most of North America (see range map), as well as Eurasia and Greenland. There are two varieties of this species: var. amplexifolius and var. chalazatus. These varieties have different but overlapping ranges, as well as slight structural differences. Var. amplexifolius is the variety found along the BC coast.

Human UsesClasping twistedstalk plants and berries are considered poisonous. The plant has traditional medicinal purposes in some coastal First Nations cultures, including in poultices for cuts (Haida), to induce labour in overdue pregnancies (Makah), and using the berry juice to treat burns.

Intriguing InfoThe berries are called owl-berries, witch-berries, and black-bear berries in traditional Haida culture, and frog-berries in traditional Kwakwaka'wakw culture.